Wilhelm Backhaus was a twentieth century virtuoso who had the distinction of making the first ever recording of a piano concerto (an abridged version of the Grieg in 1909), but it was for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven and Brahms that he became best known. The recordings on this CD include a work that he had performed at his London début in 1901, the Variations on a Theme by Paganini. Backhaus was a performer of great technique and integrity and was keen to keep pace with advancements in recording technology. Although Backhaus re-recorded much of this repertoire, these earlier recordings possess a vitality and drive that are not always present in his later recordings.